FIC Report (Anambra State) – The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has partnered with the Anambra State Government to train 200 youths on Taenprowiz Table Fish Production Business System.
The induction of the 200 youths cum launch of the ECOWAS Youth Employability Programme 2.0 in Anambra State took place at the ETF Building Auditorium, Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, Igbariam.
The President of ECOWAS Commission, Dr. Omar Alieu Toure, who was represented by Prof. Jude Obi, lamented that over 75 percent of youths in the West African Region were unemployed, thereby making the region to be affected by low productivity and performance of economies in general and of particular, Agro Sylvo Pastoral and Fisheries Sector, making it difficult to integrate young people into existing rigid farming systems.
Prof Jude Obi promised on behalf of West African Secretariat of Ecological Organic Agriculture (WASEOA) that the 10 best trainees out of 1,280 youths undergoing fish production, as well as other agricultural training in the six West African countries, would be rewarded handsomely with special gifts adding that with this number of vibrant youths roaming the streets of West Africa, Anambra is doing well by making provisions for youth programmes.
Speaking during the induction, the Coordinator Taenprowiz Production Business System and Technology Partnership Centre, Anambra State, and the MD/CEO Fisheries and Aquaculture Business Development Agency (FABDA), Mr Emeka Iloghalu, expressed gratitude for the support the Taenprowiz Centre was getting from the Anambra State Government and ECOWAS in facilitating the programme, which, he said, would alleviate youth restiveness, provide more jobs and prosperous youths.
Iloghalu lauded Prof. Jude Obi’s team which comprised the WASEOA, for organizing the training simultaneously in Benin Republic, Togo, Senegal, Cote D’voire, Liberia and Nigeria; and the Association of Organic Agriculture Practitioners of Nigeria.
The Anambra State Commissioner for Youths, Hon. Patrick Aghamba, who was represented by Mr Kingsley Ozalagba, tasked the participants to be focused and ensure they used the opportunity to imbibe the skills that would change their lives financially and otherwise.
Earlier, the Vice Chancellor, COOU, Igbariam, Prof Kate Omenugha appreciated the Taenprowiz team and ECOWAS Commission for their efforts toward agriculture and food security, saying that COOU was deeply committed to achieving Zero Hunger in line with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Prof Omenugha further explained that the University’s Healthy Living Farm demonstrates this commitment as it promotes organic farming and sustainability while serving as a training ground for students, especially those in the Faculty of Agriculture.
The highlight of the occasion was the induction of the 200 youths into the fish production business by Gbadamosi R. Oyewole, Coordinator, West Africa Secretariat for Ecological and Organic Agriculture (WASEOA).
Signed
Ibeneme Maria Nkilimma
Senior Info and Pub Relations Officer
25/11/25
